About 

198 CAL invites curators and artists to take part in our next open call with an exhibition proposal. 

In an age marked by climate precarity, digital intimacy, and biotechnological evolution, how do we adapt? As new technologies and shifting consciousness redefine humanity, what new ceremonies emerge? 

How do we develop new rites for climate resilience, migration, and virtual co-presence? How do collective practices foster resistance, care, and solidarity in a rapidly shifting world? What roles do ritual and ceremony play in addressing systemic change and marginalisation?

We are looking for proposals that consider these cultural shifts, engaging with speculative, experimental, and socially engaged approaches. We welcome multidisciplinary proposals spanning but not limited to visual art, performance, sound, digital media, and community-based work.

Submissions can include fully formed proposals or late-stage ideas with room to develop through curatorial support.

What Selected Projects Receive

• Artist Fee (in-kind) – Including exhibition space and mentoring.
• Curatorial & Production Support from Shane Sutherland (Curatorial Assistant) and the 198 CAL Gallery team.
• 6-week Exhibition Space & Resources (May - June 2025).
• Public Programming Opportunities (workshops, talks, performances).
• Mentorship & Network Building with arts professionals.

Eligibility

• Curators & Artists with 3+ years of professional practice.
• Emerging creative practitioners (students are not eligible).
• Existing funding and partnerships are a plus but not required.
• Proposal suitable for an 6-week exhibition (May–June 2025).

Key Dates

• 26th March 2025 – Open call launches
• 10th April 2025 – Q&A drop-in session (online)
• 15th April 2025 – Submission deadline
• May 2025 – Provisional exhibition dates

Selection Process

Proposals will be reviewed by a panel including:

• Nimco Kulmiye Hussein (Artistic Director, 198CAL)
• Shane Sutherland (Curatorial Assistant, 198CAL)
• Invited Guest Panelist

Selections will be based on conceptual strength, originality, feasibility, and alignment with the open call themes and artistic programme.

How to Apply

Submit your proposal HERE by Sunday, 23:59, 15th April 2025.

Access & Support

198CAL is committed to accessibility. If you have specific access requirements or need assistance with your application, please get in touch with Shane Sutherland shane@198.org.uk. We’re happy to discuss adjustments to ensure you can fully participate.

Frequently Asked Questions

General & Eligibility

Who can apply?
Curators, artists, and collectives with at least 3 years of professional practice. Emerging practitioners are welcome to apply, but current students are not eligible.

Can I apply as part of a collective or collaboration?
Yes. We welcome proposals from collectives, duos, and collaborative teams.

Do I need to be based in the UK to apply?
The open call is primarily aimed at UK-based practitioners, but if you’re able to realise the work in person and within the given timeline, international proposals may be considered.

Proposal Guidance

Does my proposal need to be fully developed?
No. We accept both fully formed and late-stage proposals. There's room for development with curatorial support if your idea is selected.

Does my project have to match the theme exactly?
Not rigidly, but proposals should meaningfully engage with the themes of the open call: ritual, transformation, post-human identity, climate, technology, and social change.

What kinds of work are eligible?
We welcome multidisciplinary proposals, including but not limited to visual art, installation, performance, sound, digital media, film, and community-based or socially engaged practices.

What’s the ideal proposal length?
Proposals should be between 800–2,000 words. The text should clearly explain your concept, approach, and practical needs.

Support & Resources

What support will selected projects receive?

• In-kind artist fee (space, mentoring, and support)
• 8-week exhibition space at 198 CAL
• Curatorial and production support
• Public programming opportunities (talks, performances, workshops)
• Mentorship and access to professional networks

Is there a production or materials budget?
We currently offer in-kind support. Having additional funding in place is a plus but not required.

What kind of technical support is available?
We can support basic AV and install needs. If your project involves more complex requirements, please outline them in your proposal.

Logistics & Timeline

When will the exhibition take place?
The provisional exhibition will be beginning May 2025.

When is the submission deadline?
Tuesday 15 April 2025

What happens after I submit my proposal?
Proposals will be reviewed by a panel. Selected applicants will be notified shortly after the submission deadline, with time to develop and prepare the exhibition.

Can I attend or participate remotely?
The exhibition is in-person at 198 CAL, but proposals may include digital or hybrid elements.

Still Have Questions?

If your question isn't answered here, feel free to contact shane@198.org.uk